Ohio State ex-player pleads not guilty to assault charge

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A former Ohio State University running back has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and assault.

Bri'onte Dunn pleaded not guilty Monday in Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus. Court documents say Dunn is accused of hitting his girlfriend in the head and face on July 17 in central Ohio. He was dismissed from Ohio State's football program the next day. Coach Urban Meyer's statement said Dunn violated team rules but didn't specify the violation.

A message left at Dunn's attorney's office on Tuesday wasn't immediately returned.

The 23-year-old from Canton had been expected to compete for OSU's starting running back position vacated by Ezekiel Elliott.

Dunn played in 21 games in three seasons and had 196 yards rushing and two touchdowns.